Sunday

Feb 20, 2011 at 4:05 AM

By LINDA HALL

Staff Writer

WOOSTER -- Pipe cleaners were twisted into pretend crowns, glasses and snowmen; pretzels, marshmallows, chocolate chips, candy and cereal, into "snowman in a bag snacks;" and the Christian Children's Home of Ohio's retreat center was transformed into a magical indoor wonderland for young children.

It was designed to cure cabin fever for them and their families, but more importantly, to emphasize early education in the tri-county area.

Mary Shumar, formerly the Success by 6 coordinator and now holding the same position for the Tri-County Educational Service Center's school readiness program, spearheaded the day of "Frost and Fun."

While their children enjoyed 12 interactive stations -- six in the "Snowman Room" and six in the "Snowflake Room," converted from "dorm" rooms in the retreat center -- parents and other adult family members enjoyed Shumar's mini-educational sessions.

Shumar's plan was to convey "the value of outdoor play," which she said develops skills for life, and to demonstrate "all the wonderful things going on in those rooms (using) everyday objects."

Morton's salt canisters were stacked near one of the stations, a caution against running out of the material used for the "surprise snow writing" activity.

In another area, literacy was emphasized with "feeling boxes."

Socks were used as a tunnel through the opening of shoe boxes containing all sorts of miniature items from crayons to fuzzy balls to be used in a variety of ways.

"You can do all kinds of things," said Shumar, providing documentation about children expanding vocabulary to "feel, observe, communicate" and "discuss numbers, texture, shape and size."

Even though the event featured play-based, educational activities -- puppets, books, puzzles, games and made-up things, such as homemade ramps for testing the rolling ability of items ranging from toy cars to toilet paper rolls -- "it's not like regular school," Shumar said.

There was only one rule to the day's activities -- no climbing onto the top bunks of bunk beds, she said. Beyond, that, the goals were play and exploration.

"I want them safe and happy," said Shumar, who, to prevent possible boredom, directed the young participants to switch rooms after an hour.

Shumar's assistants included students from the Wayne County Schools Career Center's early childhood education program.

Seniors Timothy Priebe and Michelle Winkler looked forward to activities, such as making snowflakes with popsicle sticks, singing songs and playing with dinosaur figurines.

"I like working with young children," said Priebe, who hopes to open his own daycare center.

Senior Alicia Johnston and Katie Tracey prepared to use a puppet and other stuffed objects to lead children through the tale, "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly."

Elexa, age 4, appeared to thoroughly enjoy the introductory activity, molding pipe cleaners and decorating name tags, with her mother, Delise Simonton of Rittman.

"She goes to Tri-County Preschool in Rittman," Delise Simonton said, adding, "I work for Community Action" and planned "to get some ideas to take back to parents I work with."

Jessica Sciortino of West Salem brought her daughter, Hattie, 4, who attends preschool in the Northwestern district; and they, too, were engaged from the start, enjoying pipe cleaner play before the festivities got going in earnest.

R.D. Hanger was ready with his guitar for the song portion, and Shumar, who herself told a story and illustrated it on easel paper, alerted participants to the later arrival of storyteller Donna Fetzer.

A community dinner was also on the agenda.

"You're going to play and have a lot of fun," Shumar told the children.

Reporter Linda Hall can be reached at 330-264-1125, Ext. 2230, or e-mail lhall@the-daily-record.com.

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